One of the ways Illinois has hobbled through its financial problems is by putting off paying money it owes to groups that do business with state government.

Judith Gethner represents hundreds of “human service” providers across Illinois — dealing with mental health, disabilities, domestic violence, foster care and the like. She gave an example of a group in a particularly tight squeeze.

GETHNER: “They are owed two million dollars, which is 20 percent of their budget. Their credit line is exhausted. And 10 of their staff have donated a week of their salary.”